KILLINGLY — The crowd was small in number but big on sentiment at a Veterans Day program held Sunday at Davis Park in Danielson.

Frank Boyle, who was an Air Force staff sergeant in Operation Desert Storm, said there was nothing more important than celebrating the lives of those who fought — and still fight — for Americans’ freedom.

“Freedom is not free,” Boyle said. “The ones that don’t come back are the real heroes. That’s what this is all about.”

The rain held off just long enough for the 30-minute ceremony, which included a performance by the Killingly High School band.

Prayers and thanks went out to all veterans, those who are currently serving in the military and their families.

“If it wasn’t for these men and women, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Patricia Duff, of Killingly, who was there with her husband, Al, who served as a Navy electrician aboard the USS Sperry and the USS Horner between 1975 and 1979.

Al Duff was a guest speaker at Sunday’s event and said before it started that he had hoped for a better tunout.

“It would be nice if people took a little bit on time out of their day … to come out and celebrate with the veterans,” Duff said. “The men and women who step up to protect this country deserve to be honored on this day.”

He said it’s an important message to those who may take what they have for granted.

“Future generations really need to learn and understand what veterans have done over the years, and why we have a free country,” Duff said.

Referencing the bombing at last year’s Boston Marathon, Duff said the country needs to be wary and protect itself.

“We have cowardly terrorists throughout this world,” he said. “We need a strong military presence.”

Duff also talked about the need for state and federal governments to step up and take care of veterans who are struggling with homelessness.

“We have way too many veterans that are still living on the street,” he said.